Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny announced his retirement from professional football earlier this summer.
The 34-year-old goalkeeper terminated his contract with Juventus and announced the end of his playing career. However, the player has now revealed that he had the option to join Arsenal this summer.
The Gunners were looking to bring in a quality back-up goalkeeper and were keen on the 84-cap Poland international. Szczesny has already played in the Premier League and knows the club well. No wonder Arsenal were open to bringing him back to the club. However, the 34-year-old goalkeeper has revealed that the move did not make sense for him, and that he could have easily joined the club if he did.
“The feeling started and I was open to talks with Arsenal out of respect for the club,” Szczesny said. Meczyki on YouTube. “But I knew it wasn’t for me. It was all about logistics. Something very important would have to happen for that move to happen.
“I didn’t start conversations with anyone, not even with Mikel,” adds the goalkeeper. “I could have made a phone call and reached an agreement. The Arsenal option came up before I terminated my contract with Juventus.
“I said; “Okay, we can talk.” But two days later, I said it didn’t make much sense.”
Arsenal signed Neto as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale
Arsenal ended up signing Neto from Bournemouth on loan. The Gunners sanctioned the departure of Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton and needed a quality back-up option.
David Raya is the club’s first-choice goalkeeper and Arsenal need to provide him with an alternative. There is no doubt that he would have been a quality acquisition. He has proven himself over the years at a big club and experience would have been an invaluable addition as well.
Meanwhile, Neto will be looking to make his mark at the north London club after joining them on loan on deadline day. It will be interesting to see if he can secure a lot of playing time in the coming months.
